It’s Like The First Time, But Better – Ratchet and Clank Review

Ratchet and Clank is an updated remake of the original game, but follows the movie’s storyline, which is based off the original game developed by the geniuses of Insomniac Games, Inc. If you find that funny, chances are you are already a fan or would be a fan of the series. I would also bet that we will be fans of the movie. I am willing to bet against all odds that Ratchet and Clank will be a great video game movie. But back to the game, the game has updated high definition graphics, added cut scenes (over an hour’s worth), new locations, updated arsenal, bosses, and then some. Relive the original game, or fall in love with it all over again. It is an action platformer rated E10+, but is definitely still fun for adults. It’s kind of the same way Shrek is a kids movie but has a lot in there for the grown-ups who watch it also.

Story

The story of Ratchet and Clank is noticeably altered from the original. I say noticeably because there are characters in-game who draw attention to the fact. It is meta, very aware of itself, and it is done masterfully. The biggest change in the story comes from the story’s perspective. Rather than being an outsider watching the story unfold, this time, gamers are watching the story as regaled by Captain Qwark. It is somewhat a generic hero story, there are very few original stories anyway, and the take on it is original and well executed. The game is riddled with jokes, and in this remake has the added addition of being very meta. It is on the same meta-level as Community. It brings a nice bout of nostalgia, or perfectly works as an introduction to the series.

Gameplay

Gameplay is arguably the strongest leg of the game, and that’s saying something considering how strong the other legs are. The action platformer flawless transitions from melee combat, to weapons, to vehicles, to extreme… uhm… movement (it’s platform jumping and swinging stuff, but it’s not quite free running or Parkour).  Personally, I like to go right up to things and hit them, there’s something very satisfying about dodging rounds of constant fire to get up close and bash an enemy in the face with my omni-wrench. However, there is also the ability to air cartwheel to dodge and return fire in mid-air; dodging and attacking simultaneously in awesome acrobatic fashion. Or I could throw out the drone and let him clear a path then play clean up without greatly risking my health. The approaches and combinations are near endless, making it extremely enjoyable and rewarding.

Mechanics

The third leg, making this game a massive tripod, the mechanics! Visually and audibly, the game is perfect. It is without a doubt cinema quality. There is almost no distinguishing between gameplay and cutscenes other than perspective. The level up system is very intuitive, where you feel the game get more difficult and your characters and abilities grow stronger at the same time. The purchase system is also well balanced and makes all your side wandering to break objects worth it. The balanced system provides challenge and common-sense/intuitive engines that keep the game from getting stale. The in-game physics also add a layer of realism to the game. There is a part where players must capture a bunch of enemies with their magnet then use that to bring them to, then hurl them, at the mother ship. It’s easily the highlight of the early part of the game.

Ratchet and Clank reminds players of their first time [playing], or acts as an amazing first-time to “first-timers”. If you do not get all of the innuendos I have made in this review, you will likely not get a lot of the jokes in the game. It is my attempt to pay homage to the franchise who has subtitled some of their entries Up Your Arsenal and Size Matters. The game has a hilarious, enjoyable, and extremely well-crafted story that not only wraps up but spreads open for more to come. The gameplay will have you playing with yourself for hours, and the mechanics really engage all of the senses. Ratchet and Clank is like your first time, but somehow more mature and without all the little things that annoyed you before. And because of that, Ratchet and Clank is a 10.

For those who don’t like reading: One Minute Review of Ratchet and Clank: